Dear Michael and members of the No Rally Group Inc
Thank you for your correspondence regarding Repco Rally Australia. We
are in close consultation with the organisers and continue to work with
them to ensure that economic, marketing and community benefits are
maximised for the Northern Rivers region.
As you would know the FIA World Rally Championship is considered the
highest profile four-wheeled motor sport championship after Formula
One. To ensure the event proceeds with a level of certainty along with
environmental safeguards the NSW Parliament has passed legislation, the
Motor Sports (World Rally Championship) Bill 2009. The legislation
passed by the NSW Parliament will permit the Government to impose
environmental protection measures to manage any temporary impacts of
the rally on affected local areas.
Over the five events to 2017, the rally is expected to create the
equivalent of around 40 new permanent positions, or between 1,500 to
2,000 part-time and casual jobs, during the weeks it is held. The event
is expected to generate up to 69,000 visitor nights in the Tweed-Kyogle
region to the benefit of local tourism providers.
Events NSW estimates it will generate over $100 million for the NSW
economy between now and 2017 with particular benefits for the Northern
Rivers region in terms of increased tourism, jobs and economic
activity. Over 816 million people around the world watched the
televised World Rally event in 2007 so this will also be a chance to
showcase the spectacular Northern Rivers to the world.
Rally Australia, in preparing for this World Championship Event has
commissioned the most comprehensive, independent environmental and
ecological review of the Northern Rivers Region ever conducted.
Murwillumbah based Biolink Pty Ltd under the direction of Environmental
Scientist Dr Stephen Phillips have prepared the 400 page (approx)
report which clearly shows that the Rally can be conducted in harmony
with the environment.
The report examined all aspects of flora and fauna in the area of the
special stages of the rally, and the likely impact if any, of that
competition. It took more than 450 person hours to compile and involved
in part, sampling every 250 metre along the competition route. The
research shows there is no significant increase in risk to endangered
species.
NSW Government is committed to a review of the impact of the rally and
will be consulting with local communities after the first event to
ensure that the rally has minimum impacts on residents and the
environment and maximise benefits for the regional economy.
If you would like to discuss the matter further please contact me on 02 8114 2405.
Yours sincerely
Kate Pembroke
Head of Corporate Affairs
e. kate.pembroke@eventsnsw.com.au
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